1920 L Rochat Tourer (Swizterland)

 

1920 L Rochat Tourer

Cycles Rochat,

Bioux, Vallee de Joux, Swizterland

Torpedo Coaster Brake

21.5″ Frame

26″ Wheels

(Now sold)

Hailing from Switzerland, this machine is, as you’d expect, very well-built. It’s an interesting mix of French and German inasmuch as its style is decidedly French – the nickel head is superb – but the saddle is a German Wittkop, and the coaster hub is a Torpedo. The pedals look like early German ones too. I bought it from a friend, Peter, who told me it came from Roger Newton’s collection. Roger had lived in and raced cycles in Switzerland as well as in many other European countries.

The Rochat is very easy and pleasant to ride. Everything is original except for the front brake, which Peter added for safety (it’s chrome so is post-1930).